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Cook County Sheriff’s Patrol Officer helps deliver baby

A Cook County Sheriff’s Police officer on routine patrol assisted in the emergency delivery of a baby, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced Monday.

Officer Michael Kizaric was in the process of conducting a traffic stop around 4 p.m. Wednesday, near the intersection of Archer and Lockwood Avenues in Stickney, when he was approached by Jonathan Martinez, 31, of Chicago. Martinez told Officer Kizaric that his wife, Patricia Ramos, 25, also of Chicago, was in labor in the backseat of their car and about to deliver a baby. Martinez said he didn’t think they had enough time to make it to the hospital. Officer Kizaric immediately advised Cook County Communications dispatch of the situation, and requested an ambulance at their location before rushing to the car.

When Officer Kizaric got to the car he saw Ramos was in active labor. As the delivery rapidly progressed, Officer Kizaric instructed the couple to remain calm, and directed Martinez to support the baby as it exited the birth canal. When the baby emerged, the officer again contacted dispatchers to let them know the newborn girl was breathing, and appeared to be okay. Officer Kizaric and Martinez wrapped the newborn in a sweatshirt until the Chicago Fire Department arrived on the scene. Paramedics checked over the newborn, and transported Ramos and the baby to nearby MacNeal Hospital for further evaluation.

“Every day our officers face dangerous situations and the unknown,” said Sheriff Dart. “Often they are dealing with criminal activity or tragic cases. So it’s all the more gratifying to be able to assist a citizen in something as joyous as helping bring a baby into this world. Officer Kizaric’s prompt, professional and thoughtful response is something we’re all incredibly proud of.”

This was Officer Kizaric’s first involvement with childbirth, and though he remained calm as he took control of the situation, he describes the experience as “intense”. Ramos and her daughter were discharged in good condition from MacNeal Hospital on Friday.